Teaching tool that you could use for a patient and family who is newly diagnosed with a psychiatric illness.
Create a patient education “Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder” A description of the diagnosis and
common symptoms using lay terms
• A holistic treatment plan that includes: One medication, one specific therapy, and one evidenced based nonpharmacologic treatment that are used for this diagnosis. Briefly explain how each will help the patient.
• Appropriate resources for patients to get further information and/ or support
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Patient Education: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by difficulty in paying attention, controlling impulses, and managing activity levels. People with ADHD may find it hard to sit still, follow through on tasks, and organize their thoughts. This can lead to challenges in school, work, and everyday life.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
1. Inattention: This includes difficulty staying focused on tasks, making careless mistakes, forgetting things, and having trouble organizing activities.
2. Hyperactivity: Individuals may fidget, talk excessively, or have trouble remaining seated in situations where it’s expected.
3. Impulsivity: This involves acting quickly without thinking about the consequences, interrupting others, or having difficulty waiting for one’s turn.
Holistic Treatment Plan
1. Medication: Stimulants (e.g., Methylphenidate)
How it helps: Stimulant medications like methylphenidate are commonly prescribed for ADHD. These medications work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. This can help improve focus, attention, and impulse control, making it easier for individuals to engage in daily activities and responsibilities.
2. Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
How it helps: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. For those with ADHD, CBT can assist in developing coping strategies for managing symptoms, improving organization skills, and enhancing problem-solving abilities. It provides tools to deal with challenges and fosters greater self-awareness, which can lead to improved self-esteem.
3. Nonpharmacologic Treatment: Parent Training and Behavioral Interventions
How it helps: Parent training programs teach caregivers effective strategies for managing their child’s behavior. These programs often include techniques such as positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and consistent discipline approaches. Behavioral interventions help establish routines and modify the environment to support the child’s learning and engagement. Research has shown that these approaches can significantly improve behavior and functioning in children with ADHD.
Resources for Further Information and Support
– CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): CHADD Website
A national organization providing education, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD and their families.
– National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIMH ADHD Information
A reliable source of information about the diagnosis, symptoms, treatment options, and research updates related to ADHD.
– ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association): ADDA Website
An organization dedicated to supporting adults with ADHD through resources, webinars, and community forums.
– Local Support Groups: Check for local chapters or community organizations that offer support groups for individuals with ADHD and their families.
Conclusion
Understanding ADHD is the first step towards managing it effectively. By combining medication with therapy and nonpharmacologic treatments like parent training, individuals with ADHD can develop strategies that enhance their daily functioning and improve their quality of life. Utilize the resources provided to gain further insights and support in navigating this diagnosis together with your family.
